nt. He was subsequently
confirmed in the appointment, and held it till April 7th, 1916, when he
took over command of a company, being succeeded by Captain F. H. Wallis.

[Sidenote: =May 14th.=]

This evening the Battalion moved into the trenches in front of La
Brique, which it had dug less than a week before.

[Sidenote: =May 15th.=]

The Battalion moved further forward into the second line, and two
companies of the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers were attached
to it.

_To face page 23._

[Illustration: CAPTAIN OTTER AND "B" COMPANY.

_20th May, 1915._]

[Sidenote: =May 16th.=]

The Battalion was withdrawn to the canal bank.

[Sidenote: =May 19th.=]

Orders were received that the London Rifle Brigade was to be withdrawn
and sent the next day to General Headquarters. The Battalion marched
that evening to Vlamertinghe, and was billeted there.

[Sidenote: =May 20th.=]

The Battalion marched past the Divisional Commander after he had
inspected it, and expressed his deep appreciation of all it had done
since April 25th. It boarded the motor-buses, and proceeded to General
Headquarters.

The London Rifle Brigade thus left the 4th Division after six months.

The Brigade, Divisional, and Corps Commanders had all personally thanked
the Battalion for the work it had done, and congratulated it on its
behaviour under the most trying circumstances. But perhaps even more
valued were the farewell letters from the Battalions of the 11th
Brigade, showing, as they did, that they really felt the London Rifle
Brigade to have become part of their Regular Brigade.

The London Rifle Brigade arrived at Tatinghem, and enjoyed ten days'
complete rest during perfect weather.

The Rangers and Kensingtons had also been withdrawn from the line.

_To face page 24._

[Illustration: SEC.-LIEUT. F. D. CHARLES AND "C" COMPANY.

_20th May, 1915._]

[Sidenote: =June 1st.=]

These three Battalions were amalgamated for work on lines of
communications. This entailed the handing over of all the active service
equipment, and also all transport. The latter was a bitter blow, as the
work of the transport, personnel, and animals had been beyond all
praise. It is worth noting that in spite of the very heavy work of the
previous four weeks the transport had actually accomplished the
thirty-mile trek from the Salient in under 20 hours.

[Sidenote: =Lines of Communication.=]

[Sidenote: =June 1st--Oct. 1st.=]

This period call